Political Science and Liberal Arts Education in Connecticut

There is not merely one reason to study political science. Aspiring politicians and those who desire government positions, do, of course, have an intense interest in political science. However, students in pursuit of a political science degree in Connecticut know that many other career paths are available for graduates. Fields in which you can find political science graduates include communications, law, travel, education and technology. Theories and skills learned in political science classes are transferable to an array of occupations after graduation.

Connecticut colleges, universities and online political science programs are usually part of a school's liberal arts department. Accordingly, coursework is culled from many disciplines and subjects, to create a graduate who is globally aware and can adapt to changing situations. Subdivisions of courses in a typical political science program in Connecticut include theories, methodology, international relations, comparative politics, American politics, foreign policy and politics, public administration, law, justice, and the roles of ethnicity, race and gender in politics. Upon graduating with an undergraduate political science degree, you will be set to enter a myriad of careers.

Political Science Careers in Connecticut

Because a political science degree is pertinent to so many careers, graduates in Connecticut can expect a positive job outlook for years to come. Data provided by the Connecticut Department of Labor estimates that there will be a 12 percent increase in opportunities for legal assistants and paralegals in the state from 2008 to 2018. A 15 percent increase in jobs for market research analysts is expected. The state expects a 16 percent rise in the number of jobs for public relations specialists during that time. Jobs for technical writers should increase by 10 percent, and for journalists by 7 percent. An increase of 17 percent is anticipated for political science teachers at the university and college level.

Other career opportunities for political science grads in Connecticut exist within labor unions, as political coordinators and managers. Private industries, for instance, like the gas company Praxair in Danbury often retain political science graduates with titles such as Government Relations managers. Corporations like pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield employ political science majors in positions like Director of National Government Affairs. Nonprofit organizations like the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition in Bridgeport employ political science grads in political advocacy and strategic communications positions.

How to Become a Politician in Connecticut

Once you have received your political science degree and worked in the field for a while, you might decide to try for a political run of your own. Before you begin, make sure that you have the kind of time and money that it takes to fund a political campaign. Posters, brochures and leaflets will need to be created and handed out to voters, and this costs money. Next, check with your town to see which public offices are being voted upon during the next election. Depending upon your town and the office you want to try for, you may or may not need the endorsement of a political party in order to get on the ballot.

If you are running without party endorsement, get a nominating petition application from the Secretary of State's office. A complete list of election forms is available here. Because these forms vary widely from one election to the next, make sure to pick the correct one. You will need to get signatures from voters on the nominating petition in a number equal to one percent of the votes cast during the last election. This form must be returned to the Election Services Division by a deadline that they will give you in order for your name to be on the ballot for the upcoming election.